The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a Consultation Paper on ‘Regulatory framework for Ground-based Broadcasters’ seeking stakeholders’ comments on the framework for broadcasting television channels through terrestrial means. The paper is available on TRAI’s website, a PIB press release stated.

Currently, broadcasters are mandated to use satellites to uplink and downlink TV channels to Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

However, technological advancements have enabled broadcasters to deliver channels terrestrially, similar to traditional satellite-based channels. These terrestrially transmitted channels can also be carried by multiple DPO networks and retransmitted to subscribers, PTI reported.

TRAI had previously submitted recommendations on a regulatory framework for platform services to MIB in November 2014, which included aspects related to ground-based broadcasting. In response to TRAI’s recommendations, MIB issued guidelines for platform services in November 2022. However, MIB noted that the context of TRAI’s 2014 recommendations might have changed, prompting a request for a fresh review and recommendations on the matter.

In light of this, TRAI has invited comments from stakeholders on the regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters by November 15, 2024. Counter-comments can be submitted by November 29, 2024.